Let There Be Peace (On My Corner Of The Earth)

Most Read

Next week is Thanksgiving. Can you believe it? Where has the year gone to? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was complaining about my car not having air conditioning? Now the leaves are on the ground, and I'm starting to slowly pack the kids' bags for their long Thanksgiving weekend away from hearth and home.

They'll have a wonderful time with their Uncle and Aunt, of course, and I'll have five straight kid-free days to get some things done around the house and decorate for Christmas. I may even shop a bit, but definitely not on Black Friday. Ugh!

I'm feeling really, really peaceful about the upcoming holiday. That's honestly the best word for it. It's Peter's second Christmas since he left, the world has slowly righted itself, finances are fine (if not great), and I'm realizing more and more that we're all going to be okay. Maybe even better than okay.

Last year, it took all I had just to put up a garland somewhere – I just wasn't feeling it. This year, I can decorate and put up every single Christmassy thing I want (with no eye rolling or "Don't you think that's a bit much?" comments). I can Bake and play Christmas music and watch every single holiday special on TV (and sing along!) with my kids. I'm feeling the spirit, clear down to my red and green Christmas socks this year, and not apologizing for a bit of it.

What gets you into the holiday spirit? Did it take awhile for you to get that feeling back, or did it never leave?